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Scientists Solve Riddle of 'Medieval Warm' Era

Finding debunks climate-change deniers

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 5, 2009 5:55 AM CDT

(Newser) – Atlantic ocean winds warmed Europe 1000 years ago, scientists say, scuttling a key argument used by those who deny current pollution is causing climate change. The natural regional phenomenon pinpointed as the cause of the Medieval Warm Period no longer exists and cannot be responsible for current global warming, reports the New Scientist.

The warmer currents were likely caused by volcanic or solar activity, say researchers. A separate study speculates that global warming may make El Niño go La Niña again and cause increased dryness in regions already afflicted by drought. "If this happens, then the implications are profound," one researcher said.

Light streams in through a Medieval church window.
Light streams in through a Medieval church window.   (Shutterstock)
Rays of sunlight break through the ocean surface.
Rays of sunlight break through the ocean surface.   (Shutterstock)
The sun sets over a Medieval castle.
The sun sets over a Medieval castle.   (Shutterstock)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
justme
Apr 6, 2009 12:32 PM CDT
I guess if you hate Republicans and conservatives in general than the largest news network on cable is not your favorite. They actually let people talk rather than decide for you and give you your opinions pre-digested. I like Fox, Cnn and Figaro (French newspaper for European viewpoints). Can't stand MSNBC or any NBC group.
Rob
Apr 6, 2009 11:49 AM CDT
Sorry Greg, the consensus for man-caused global warming goes to the climatologists who ARE prepared to make predictions about climate change. They are over 90% in concordance with man caused effects. Even the petroleum geologists, who obviously have a vested interest in continued exploitation of fossil fuels, are 60% in agreement for a man-caused warming. The big group of nay-sayers are those without any pertinent education in the areas where the science can be evaluated. The general public has been bamboozled into thinking there is debate where there generally is not. Republicans and business are mostly responsible for this disinformation, Limbaugh is the prime example, although even the Bush White House came around to man-caused warming a couple years ago. Finally, when you are calling for consensus you cannot use the statement of one or a few scientists as evidence of a lack of consensus. Consensus is majority and implies discourse, thus a level disagreement, however small it might be. Make no mistake, the scientific community as a whole generally stands behind human caused climate shifting, even if there are isolated voices within the community that do not.
Doctor-Zaius
Apr 6, 2009 10:56 AM CDT
They're called "Foxperts"

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